Sen. Mitch McConnell hospitalized after experiencing 'flu-like symptoms'

McConnell, 84, announced last year he would end his long tenure in the Senate.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 3: Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on "The Abduction of Ukrainian Children by the Russian Federation" on Capitol Hill on December 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. Congressmen in the House and Senate on both sides of the isle joined the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States and advocates to testify about the Russian war effort to abduct thousands of Ukrainian children and forced to undergo "re-education" and militarization.

Sen. Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized for evaluation after experiencing flu-like symptoms, his spokesperson said.

“In an abundance of caution, after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend, Senator McConnell checked himself into a local hospital for evaluation last night," McConnell spokesman David Popp said in a statement. "His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving. He is in regular contact with his staff and looks forward to returning to Senate business.”

McConnell, 84, who announced last February he would end his long tenure in the Senate at the end of the current term, was hospitalized in March 2023 for five days after suffering a concussion and a broken rib after a fall at a Washington, D.C., hotel.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 3: Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on "The Abduction of Ukrainian Children by the Russian Federation" on Capitol Hill on December 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. Congressmen in the House and Senate on both sides of the isle joined the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States and advocates to testify about the Russian war effort to abduct thousands of Ukrainian children and forced to undergo "re-education" and militarization. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

He suffered a "minor cut" to the face and a "sprained wrist" after another fall during a Senate Republican lunch in December 2024.

McConnell served as the Senate Republican leader for a record-shattering 18 years — the longest- serving party leader of either party. He stepped down from the role in 2024 and was succeeded in by current Majority Leader John Thune.